The Board of Trustees convened for a special meeting to discuss and take action on several important matters impacting Snyder ISD. Below is a summary of the key decisions and discussions from the meeting.
Date: September 12, 2024
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Board President Brad Hinton at 6:00 pm.
2. Invocation
The meeting opened with an invocation.
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Open Forum/Public Comments
Two individuals requested to address the board during public comment. One addressed the Board, the other voluntarily forfeited their time.
5. Campus Spotlight - Snyder High School
Mrs. Aleida Juarez highlighted the Work-Based Learning Program at Snyder High School, where students earn 3-4 credits toward CTE completion, positively impacting the district's CCMR accountability. More importantly, this program helps students explore career interests and prepares them for post-secondary goals in a supportive environment. Currently, 70 seniors are completing the Work-Based Learning practicum through partnerships with 23 local organizations. Three seniors (Regan Trujillo, Tayla Jamison, and Isabelle Bird) were introduced as participants in the program and each of them explained their involvement in the program and how it has benefited them.
6. Employees of the Month
Valerie Morris announced the Employees of the Month for their outstanding dedication and hard work. Brad Hinton and Bob Rauch presented certificates to the honorees:
Charli Grope – Snyder Primary
Prissy Facio – Snyder Intermediate
Dana Durst – Snyder Junior High
Alan Gillespie – Snyder High School
7. Consent Agenda (Action Required)
The Board approved the following items:
Minutes from the August 8, 2024 Regular Meeting and the August 29, 2024 Special Meeting
Accounts Payable for the month
8. Action Agenda
8.A. HB3 Good Cause Exception
Zach Rollins presented the need for an HB3 Good Cause Exception, allowing armed personnel on each campus. The Board approved this plan. The District is actively recruiting Campus Security Specialists.
8.B. Board Policy: Honors/Dual-Credit Course Eligibility
Dr. Jessica Gore proposed a change to the board policy regarding eligibility for students in Honors and Dual-Credit courses. The new policy requires these students to meet the same eligibility standards as other students, with a 10-point adjustment to their grades for eligibility purposes. The Board approved the policy: “To be eligible for participation in extracurricular activities, a student shall maintain a grade of 70 or above for all courses. No courses shall be exempt from this requirement.”
8.C. Non-Athletic Stipend Schedule
Mr. Clay Cade and Dr. Jessica Gore presented revisions to the Non-Athletic Stipend Schedule, adding positions and clarifying others to better support student outcomes. (Instructional Lead, K-5 Math/RLA; CTE 6-12, Mentor Teacher; Mentor Teacher, Advanced; Assistant Principal Resident) The Board approved the revisions.
8.D. Agreement with Jacob & Martin, LLC
The Board authorized the Superintendent to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Jacob & Martin, LLC for Master Plan/Pre-Bond services, not to exceed $50,000.
8.E. HB 3033 – Designation of Non-Business Days
Mrs. Valerie Morris presented the Non-Business Days for the 2024-2025 school year, which the Board approved. These days align with district closures and are necessary under HB 3033 for compliance with public information requests.
8.F. Hiring of Primary Principal
The Board unanimously approved the hiring of Mrs. Kristin Luft as the new Snyder Primary School Principal, following a recommendation from Mr. Bob Rauch with strong support from the Principal Interview Committee. Mrs. Luft has extensive administrative experience and is ready to take on this leadership role.
9. Executive Session
The Board of Trustees did not enter into an executive session.
10. Information Items
10.A. 2024-2025 BOY NWEA MAP
Dr. Jessica Gore provided an update on the Beginning of Year NWEA MAP assessments.
10.B. Principal TPESS Goals
Dr. Jessica Gore discussed the alignment of Principal TPESS goals with Campus Improvement Plans.
10.C. Magic in Learning, Excellence in Achieving - Avenues of Support Presentation
10.D. Travis Gym Bids: Superintendent Bob Rauch reported interest in the sale of Travis Gym and steps to proceed with potential bids.
10.E. Campus Improvement Plan Goals
Dr. Gore highlighted key goals within the Campus Improvement Plans as an information item. Campus and District leaders are collaborating to align performance objectives and strategies with the work currently underway at each site. Refined plans will be presented to the Board of Trustees in October for approval.
11. Superintendent’s Report
Bob Rauch provided updates on:
Enrollment comparisons and leaver data: current enrollment is 2335, down from 2421 in September 2023.
Recent donations and community support
Instructional rounds: Instructional Rounds:
September 18 for the Strong Foundations & Implementation Grants- Primary and Intermediate district leadership
October 9 for ESP Diagnostic work with ESC 14- Primary, Intermediate and Junior High
The next regular board meeting is set for October 10, 2024.
12. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned.